Care Level: Moderate
Behavior: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Max. Size: Up to 25"
Diet: Herbivore
Hippo Tang (Paracanthurus Hepatus)
The Blue Tang, also known as the Pacific Blue Tang, were made famous by the film Finding Nemo. The beloved character Dory, played by Ellen Degeneres, was a vibrant electric blue fish with black markings. The bold markings spread from the eyes, tracing the dorsal line, down to the pectoral fin. This marking is similar to that of a painter’s palette. The Hippo Tang is generally from the Indo-Pacific area and belongs to the species of surgeonfish. Hippo Tangs love to hide in caves and crevices created by live rocks.
The best environment for the Blue Tang is a 180 gallon tank or larger for room for swimming and live rock for hiding. The Blue Tang is peaceful towards most tank mates, but they tend to be aggressive towards other tangs or surgeonfish. To keep multiple Hippo Tangs, you may introduce the entire group together at one time.
Diet
Although tangs will eat meaty foods, they prefer marine based seaweed and algae which will boosts their immune system, reduce aggression, and improve overall health. To feed them, tie dried seaweed to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week.
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